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Whether it's at the front of your home to welcome visitors or in your backyard to provide a private spot for your family, a porch can be a useful addition to your home. But if your porch is starting to show its age, lacks style or doesn't quite fit your needs, it may be time for an update. You can redo your porch in a variety ways, so you should be able to find an option that meets your budget and needs so your porch becomes one of your home's most attractive assets.

Paint It

If you're looking for an easy, inexpensive way to redo your porch, painting it is an ideal option. A fresh coat of paint can make your porch look like new – and instantly make your home's entry or yard look more inviting. White paint provides a traditional look that works with a variety of architectural styles, but other neutral shades like cream, tan or gray can work too since they'll complement most exterior colors. If you want to add a pop of color, save it for the porch floor so it doesn't overpower your exterior. Red, green and blue paint can all transform a boring porch floor into a striking feature. You can also pair your chosen color with a neutral shade and paint the floor boards in alternating colors or use stencils to add a decorative pattern to an otherwise plain floor. Just make sure to wash your deck thoroughly before painting and use a paint specifically designed for floors and porches so it will resist mildew and be durable enough to withstand heavy traffic.

Update Railings and Columns

Your railing doesn't just make your porch safer – it can also dress up your home's exterior, so replacing it along with your support columns can instantly give the porch a new look. If your railing is a simple wooden style, swap it for a more decorative option like a baluster or lattice design. You can also choose a new material like aluminum, wrought iron, stainless steel cables or glass for a more modern look. While columns usually serve a structural purpose, they can also add a decorative element as well. They're available in a variety of styles and materials, including carved wood, durable fiberglass, budget-friendly aluminum, classic brick and elegant stone, so you have a variety of design options. If your porch has simple posts, you can even purchase column wraps that fit around plain posts to spruce them up. The wraps are usually made of fiberglass and can be painted to match the rest of the porch.

Enclose It

If you find that you're not getting as much use out of your porch as you'd like because of issues with insects or inclement weather, update your porch by enclosing it with screens. With a screened porch, you can enjoy your landscape during the warmer months without worrying about getting bitten or caught in a surprise rain shower. If your porch is a standard size, opt for a screen porch kit which allows you to easily add screens to the open porch. You can even choose a three-season porch kit, allowing you to use the space even when the weather gets slightly cooler. With a unusually shaped or oversized porch, it's usually best to hire a contractor to enclose the area.

Extend It

To really transform your porch's look, consider extending it. If you have a simple front or side porch, convert it to a wraparound style that covers two sides of your home. The extra space can come in handy if you have a large family because you can create specific zones on the porch to help define the area. For example, you can establish a dining area with a table and chairs while using the other section as a quiet reading area with a comfortable porch swing or wicker furniture. Extending the porch can also add value to your home when it comes time to sell, so it can definitely be a worthwhile investment.

About the Author

Based in New York City, Jennifer Blair has been covering all things home and garden since 2001. Her writing has appeared on BobVila.com, World Lifestyle, and House Logic. Blair holds a Bachelor of Arts in Writing Seminars from the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland.